We only write equipment reviews for gear that we have been using for an extended period of time and under varied conditions. Case in point is the MK25 EVO Carbon Black Tech first stage combined with the A700 Carbon Black Tech second stage, which has been our main regulator on more than one hundred dives and its flawless performance has earned it a place amongst the Scubavox equipment review blogs.
In their quest for perfection, the engineers and designers at Scubapro focused on creating a regulator with strong resistance against freezing, great inhalation sensitivity and instant delivery of air on demand. We believe that the MK25 EVO Carbon Black Tech combined with the A700 Carbon Black Tech delivers superbly on all three.
The Scubapro MK25 EVO is based on air-balanced flow-through piston design. Scubapro’s patented XTIS (Extended Thermal Insulating system) seals the inner mechanism from the environment, providing cold-water resistance and delaying ice formation in extreme cold-water conditions without compromising breathing performance.
The air-balanced flow-through piston provides consistent and effortless airflow regardless of depth, which can be fine-tuned by an adjustable inhalation effort knob to suit changing depths, tank pressure, water conditions and diver’s position. Free flows are prevented by a Venturi-Initiated Vacuum Assist (VIVA) dive/pre-dive switch that prevents free flows in cold water and can be used as an octo. We can confirm that we have not experienced any cases of free flow when diving with MK25 EVO/A700 regulator.
The MK25 EVO is equipped with two high pressure ports. We have utilised both, one for a wireless air transmitter and the other for a standard SPG. Tech divers will appreciate five low pressure ports on a swivel turret that allows to mount the regulator in either direction offering several hose routing options including a side-mount.
For look-conscious divers, there is a comfort in knowing that this regulator with black carbon coating looks just incredible and could be easily featured in James Bond or Matrix movies. The coating that is applied to both the first and second stage is resilient to corrosion and scratches while maintaining a smooth appearance that lasts.
Whether you are a recreational diver or a techie, the MK25 EVO Carbon Black Tech/A700 Carbon Black Tech could be the only regulator you ever use. In my opinion, you would be hard-pressed to find a better one.
Scubavox is not endorsed by, affiliated with, maintained by, sponsored by, or in any way connected with Scubapro, Johnson Outdoors or any vendor offering the MK25 EVO/A700 regulator.